Charity Spotlight: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, they believe in giving every child the best chance of a cure. By freely sharing knowledge, technology, and research data, they are saving the lives of children both in our clinics, and around the world. One of these projects is the Pediatric Cancer Genomics Projects.

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project is the largest investment to date aimed at understanding the genetic origins of childhood cancers. By identifying genetic changes that lead to the most deadly pediatric cancers.

In one of their latest studies, they focused on brain tumors known as low-grade gliomas (LGGs). These tumors are responsible for the most common childhood cancer of the brain and spinal cord. Surgery is an option for patients, however, nationwide, it cures only about one-third of patients. By using whole genome sequencing they have identified what alterations in the gene cause the tumor. With this information researchers can start to develop treatments to address the genetic defects.